Price: 2-dozen for ~$30 in most stores
Features: Softer compression for added distance and feel, high-coverage dimple design for long/wind penetrating ball flight, durable outer layer that maintains short game control.
Value: 
Build/Quality:
Effectiveness:
Features:
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5
I had heard some talk about Nike Distance balls before, but have always been a bit skeptical about them. After a recent trip to my local golf store (Golf Town in this case), I decided to pick up a 24-pack, which cost under $30, just to see what they were about. Nike claims that this ball has been "regenerated to deliver long, straight distance off the driver while maintaining greenside feel and control" and, as a person who doesn't drive the ball as far as he liked to, this seemed like a good deal. I immediately put them into rigorous use having used them for about 5 rounds straight, in a variety of conditions, all with the intent of putting them through a good thorough test.
First let's talk about some of the features of the ball. It's core is softer that previous balls, which results in "explosive" long drives. It's dimples seem to cover more of the ball's surface which Nike also claims aids in long, wind penetrating ball flight. Already you get the feel that this is a ball designed for distance, and solely distance, but to balance things out, Nike has also made the surface of the ball out of a ionomer compound that they claim makes the ball durable, yet good in short game situations.
From my test of the ball so far, I can tell you that this ball lives up to what it says. With my irons I averaged about 5-10 yards longer that what I would normally hit, but my shots were a lot straighter and went where I was aiming. If I was aiming slightly to the left, the ball would go there, if I was completely off with my alignment, the ball's path would reflect that. That's either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on who you ask, but it might not be the most forgiving for the higher handicapper.
This ball however proves itself when you hit it with a driver, wood, or hybrid. When you hit it, it goes far and straight...really far and straight; there's no other way to put it. I seen maybe on average 10-15 yards gained using those clubs, and even as much as 25 yards when struck well with the driver. The ball really does have an "explosive" feel to it and makes you want to reach further back in your backswing and see just how far you can hit it. And the best part is the ball will go even farther who you do just that. The ball also seems to hang in the air just that second more.
Around the greens, the ball is okay, but good considering that it seems like a distance-only ball. Short iron and wedge shots did have a little less spin than other balls I've played, but that's okay considering what the trade-off is. Puttingwise, I did notice that the ball seemed to come off the putter face a little faster than other balls (especially on long putts), maybe due to the softer compression core.
Overall, this ball surprised me, especially in terms of distance and straightness with the driver. Take this ball out on those really long par 4's or 5's and you'll see for yourself just how far you can hit it. It really lives up to everything it says it can do. And, considering the distance it gives you, it's feel around the greens in good. It's price is also a steal too, I think. This is a ball that's probably not the best for higher-handicappers, as mentioned above with the irons and all, but perfect for anyone who wants a little more distance and that "explosive" feel on their drives and long shots.
First let's talk about some of the features of the ball. It's core is softer that previous balls, which results in "explosive" long drives. It's dimples seem to cover more of the ball's surface which Nike also claims aids in long, wind penetrating ball flight. Already you get the feel that this is a ball designed for distance, and solely distance, but to balance things out, Nike has also made the surface of the ball out of a ionomer compound that they claim makes the ball durable, yet good in short game situations.
From my test of the ball so far, I can tell you that this ball lives up to what it says. With my irons I averaged about 5-10 yards longer that what I would normally hit, but my shots were a lot straighter and went where I was aiming. If I was aiming slightly to the left, the ball would go there, if I was completely off with my alignment, the ball's path would reflect that. That's either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on who you ask, but it might not be the most forgiving for the higher handicapper.
This ball however proves itself when you hit it with a driver, wood, or hybrid. When you hit it, it goes far and straight...really far and straight; there's no other way to put it. I seen maybe on average 10-15 yards gained using those clubs, and even as much as 25 yards when struck well with the driver. The ball really does have an "explosive" feel to it and makes you want to reach further back in your backswing and see just how far you can hit it. And the best part is the ball will go even farther who you do just that. The ball also seems to hang in the air just that second more.
Around the greens, the ball is okay, but good considering that it seems like a distance-only ball. Short iron and wedge shots did have a little less spin than other balls I've played, but that's okay considering what the trade-off is. Puttingwise, I did notice that the ball seemed to come off the putter face a little faster than other balls (especially on long putts), maybe due to the softer compression core.
Overall, this ball surprised me, especially in terms of distance and straightness with the driver. Take this ball out on those really long par 4's or 5's and you'll see for yourself just how far you can hit it. It really lives up to everything it says it can do. And, considering the distance it gives you, it's feel around the greens in good. It's price is also a steal too, I think. This is a ball that's probably not the best for higher-handicappers, as mentioned above with the irons and all, but perfect for anyone who wants a little more distance and that "explosive" feel on their drives and long shots.
Feel free to leave a comment if you've played this ball and share your experience with it,
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
Today, I played 10 holes with a Nike SFT golf ball before loosing it :-)
ReplyDeleteNever had such a feeling hitting a golf ball. WOW!
Nothing better to develop a sense of trust when you have the impression to hit the sweet spot on almots every shots. Frankc 15 handicap
Thanks for the comment Frankc, there's no greater feeling in golf than hitting the sweet spot. Good to see you are getting that with this ball. Nike did well with this ball
ReplyDelete-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
I found a NIke SFT yesterday in the rough. Tried it for six holes. That "bad boy" really moves off the tee. I'm 60 and I used to move it back in the day. I was stuck around 225 to 235 last year with a PING G25. Here are the distances I paced off yesterday: 260, 272 281. No bull! I'm on my way to Golf Galaxy to buy about a million of these little babies. I'm out...
ReplyDeleteI found a NIke SFT yesterday in the rough. Tried it for six holes. That "bad boy" really moves off the tee. I'm 60 and I used to move it back in the day. I was stuck around 225 to 235 last year with a PING G25. Here are the distances I paced off yesterday: 260, 272 281. No bull! I'm on my way to Golf Galaxy to buy about a million of these little babies. I'm out...
ReplyDeleteGood to hear about your success with this ball Chris!
ReplyDelete-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
its really great idea that you have described here. thanks a lot
ReplyDelete